Owners of the GLOCK G43 consistently focus on two things: how well it carries and whether the capacity is acceptable.
The slim profile is the most appreciated feature. At just over an inch wide, it disappears under a T-shirt in a good IWB holster in a way that thicker double-stack options don't. The light 17.99-oz unloaded weight adds to that. Night sights are called out as a genuine plus for a carry pistol, not just a spec-sheet item.
Glock reliability carries over to the G43 without much dispute. Owners report the gun runs consistently across different ammunition types, and Glock's reputation for low maintenance holds here.
Capacity is the most common complaint. 6+1 rounds puts the G43 behind some competitor micro-9s that fit 10 or more rounds in a similar footprint. Owners willing to carry an extended magazine bring it to 8+1, but that negates some of the slimness advantage.
Recoil is snappier than a heavier full-size, which new shooters notice during range sessions. It's manageable but worth knowing going in. Grip length also means that shooters with large hands can find the short frame awkward until they find the right holster and grip technique.
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.